Reed vs. Bard

Colleges and Universities A-Z Reed College
1

<p>So I deposited at both places and yes, I know this is against the rules, but I really couldn't decide between the two until I had the chance to visit both and think it over seriously. (I've been in exam mode for the past month, so I haven't had a lot of time to read up on them and make a good choice)
Basically I'm an incoming female undergrad who would like to become a nurse practitioner - which would mean going on to graduate school in nursing. I have done some research and here are my pros and cons so far:</p>

<p>Bard </p>

<p>Bard does seem to have better statistics than Reed (33% acceptance rate, compared to 41% - Reed) and a really beautiful campus (600 acres), not to mention that it's close to New York City and has lots of speakers, films, and concerts and such going on all the time that are basically free for Bard students.
An important thing to consider however is that Bard is an 'artsy' school. I know they are trying to improve this, but it still remains true (looking at their faculty there are very few science professors, and they are not anywhere near as qualified as the art/social science instructors are) But they are trying. They provide a chance for people in the sciences to intern at The Rockefeller University in New York City and a Premedical Undergraduate Program.
I'm also a bit concerned sports wise. I am a very active person and Bard sports don't seem that great. Also as it gets so cold there, I doubt that many people venture outside for exercise. Of course, this is the reason people go to the gym, but since I've never visited it I don't know how well their facilities are. If anyone who has visited, could you provide any info on this?
I know that the food and housing is awful there. Kline is notorious for it's food, and current students have told me about their living arrangements in trailers. The nice housing is all reserved for upperclassmen, which I find so strange! Wouldn't they want to attract the incoming students with the nice housing? And if the food is so bad, most people by the time their upperclassmen have moved off campus so they can cater to themselves.
Also, probably most importantly is the general atmosphere at Bard. I've gone to a very expensive artsy high school, where generally the moto is to bs your way through life and lay back while mommy and daddy pay the bills. I really want to get out of this. I want to go to a college where people are extremely academically motivated and are serious about learning and using the opportunities given. I know that generally the saying is you are what determines how well you do in school and it is up to you to motivate yourself, but it still wouldn't hurt if i wasn't in the minority in the students who are academically motivated.</p>

<p>Reed</p>

<p>On this last note, Reed does seem to have that rigorous atmosphere - despite the high acceptance rate. It does have a good science program, and a significant percentage of people are admitted to medical school. However, if anyone could give me any feedback on internships for people wanting to go into the medical field that would be great, as I've been having trouble finding info on that.
Also although the sports are rumored to be extremely lousy at Reed, they have great outdoor programs (hiking, backpacking, rock climbing programs) which I would love to participate in. Portland does seem to have a lot going on, but it doesn't seem as if there are a lot of student discounts (and as I will be paying full tuition, I probably won't be able to spend a lot of money on entertainment)
Another thing I need information on; is it hard for Reed students to get jobs? Do a large percentage of students have jobs? Is there a good career center that helps with that sort of thing? I really would like a part time job during college, and this will be a deciding factor. Almost all Bard students have jobs, so that is certainly a pro on my list.
As for general atmosphere, I feel like there is much more a sense of community at Reed. Bard has more to offer in terms of professional going ons like operas and special programs and connections with NYC, but it seems as though Reed makes up for that by trying to organize simple but fun activities between students. </p>

<p>To sum it up: Worried that Bard will have more opportunities over Reed career wise due to its close ties with NYC, but like the atmosphere at Reed more than Bard.</p>

<p>Sorry for such a long post. I have done extensive research, but of course would really like an insiders opinion.</p>

2

<p>

</p>

<p>Firstly, Reed is quite a bit more competitive than Bard-acceptance rate notwithstanding. There are plenty of students who are accepted at Bard but waitlisted/rejected at Reed while I’ve hardly seen the reverse. Also, Reed’s average SAT score is 2070/2400 and ACT score is 29-31.</p>

<p>Anyway, from where I see it, Bard is better than Reed only in one respect and that is the arts-dance, theatre, film etc. Conversely, Reed is an academic powerhouse in the way Bard isn’t. Reed is a breeding ground for research scientists, thinkers, professors and it has some of the strongest sciences any Liberal Arts College can offer.</p>

<p>I’m not really sure what jobs you’re worried about-those while in college or ones after graduating from college, but I really doubt Bard is significantly better than Reed in getting graduates jobs-unless it’s in the arts. Also, while Bard is kind of close to New York City, Reed is in Portland, which granted, doesn’t have the advantages of NYC, but is still a city, and Reed is an integral part of it. Bard is in the middle of nowhere, and therefore it’s logical for the administration to seek out speakers, performers and the like to provide entertainment to the students whereas with Reed- sometimes there are great events on campus, talks and performances by the likes of Cleve Jones and Wyatt Cenac, and at others there are great happenings off campus (which you shouldn’t worry about missing out on because the Reed bubble does well in itself). Reed also has the Cooley Gallery which apparently is one of the finest Portland has to offer.</p>

<p>Reed has a fairly active Career Services Centre which students have access to. There are also career fairs and internship portals Reed is a part of, and where some Reedies find employment from. Graduate school preparation wise (including non-doctoral programmes), it’s hard to find a college better than Reed. For more information, you can look here:
[Reed</a> College | Career Services |](<a href=“http://web.reed.edu/career/]Reed”>Center for Life Beyond Reed - The Center for Life Beyond Reed - Reed College)</p>

<p>If you’re interested in science and academic preparation, Reed over Bard. If you’re more interested in strong arts, Bard over Reed.</p>

3

<p>p.s. just to solidify a point you already mentioned-I picked Reed over Bard for many reasons, but one of these was definitely the existence of an athletic/outdoorsy culture that I just didn’t find at bard. I loved bard, don’t get me wrong, but I definitely felt a more pampered city kid vibe there, (not to generalize because I know there are plenty of people at bard who aren’t like that). I love outdoor sports like hiking/camping/canoeing, etc. etc. and at reed, that was a big drawing point for me. </p>

<p>also (and I don’t want to sound annoying and/or mean here, that’s not my aim), I think it’s a bit silly to compare acceptance percentage rates when picking a college. just sayin’. first and primary reason is because how many people they reject will have no effect on how happy you are there. second reason is because (like paradox pointed out), they really aren’t the most accurate statistic for how difficult it is to get in or how smart the kids at the respective schools are.</p>